Punch, Nottingham Playhouse Review
Written by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are my own.
Content Warnings: This production contains strong language and references to violence, death, bereavement, alcohol and substance misuse and mental health. This production also contains strobe lighting, flashing lights, sudden noises, and theatrical smoke.
James Graham is one of the country’s most prolific playwrights. He’s delved into controversial or lesser-known events and brought them to the stage in astounding productions. Quiz, This House, and most recently Dear England are all examples of his ability to tackle complex and intriguing topics, offering audiences a fresh perspective on historical and contemporary issues. James Graham's latest work examines how structural inequalities, such as limited opportunities and underinvestment in essential services and support networks, significantly impact the lives of ordinary people, particularly those from working-class backgrounds. Punch is a Nottingham story, but it is most importantly, a story for everyone.
Inspired by Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right From Wrong, Punch is an unshakeable true-life account of the fatal consequences that occurred when the Nottingham teenager threw a single punch on a night out. Once released from prison after 30 months imprisonment, the parents of the victim ask to meet with Jacob. In their quest for answers on what happened, an unlikely connection is formed through the help of Restorative Justice and Jacob’s life begins to turn around.
Under the direction of Nottingham Playhouse's Adam Penford, Jacob's story is treated with great sensitivity. The staggering number of reported offences of violence against individuals, which exceeded 2,113,383 between April 2022 and March 2023 alone, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. Unfortunately, incidents of violence seem to occur with alarming frequency, making Jacob's story all the more relevant and important to tell.
There is something to say about how incredible the cast is. Alec Boaden, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Tony Hirst, Shalisha James - Davis and Emma Pallant are a triumphant collective. Between them they transition between a variation of characters; from the people on his estate who influence him with drugs and alcohol to the devastated parents of the victim and the people who support Jacob in piecing his life together. Notably, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Tony Hirst’s performances as the victim, James’ parents will form a huge footprint on your experience of seeing this play. It’s hard not to be moved by how these people conducted themselves during an undeniably difficult process and Hirst and Hesmondhalgh handle this narrative respectively.
We must highlight the exceptional performance of David Shields as Jacob, the leading man in the production. Shields delivers a truly sensational performance that defies adequate description. From the very first moment he appears on stage, Shields establishes a remarkable connection with the audience that is sustained throughout his performance. You can’t help but be utterly captivated by Jacob and the journey he undergoes during Punch.
For me, one of the fundamental aspects that make this production so powerful is the Lighting, Sound, and Set Design. Robbie Butler's lighting design particularly stands out in this show for me. It infuses a bold atmosphere into the production, creating fascinating dynamics that emphasize the narrative.
Punch is an astounding and impressive story - it offers audiences a poignant reflection on the consequences of one's actions and the possibility of finding redemption. Our government need to see Punch for themselves.
At Nottingham Playhouse until 25 May.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
